CHECK! (CAREFULLY!)
EATERIES PUT H2O, BREAD ON YOUR BILL
Recession-hit restaurants are helping themselves to your wallet by serving you an extra side of super sneaky charges.
The Post last week found city eateries subtly billing customers for things usually free -- including bread and butter.
Although managers claim the prices are clearly marked on menus, the outrageous charges can backfire on restaurants, experts said.
"Doing this at this time could be ultimately suicidal," said Zagat founder Tim Zagat.
"It irritates the customer so much, and the last thing you want to do right now is annoy your customer."
Unexpected costs found by The Post include:
* A $1-per-person charge for water at West Village restaurant Bobo -- noted on the menu but not mentioned by waiters. The drink is filtered tap water.
Staff said the money funds the filtration.
"If anyone doesn't want to pay it, we take it off the bill," said manager Andy Vaughan.
* $3 for bread and another $2 for butter at Company, in Chelsea.
No cost was mentioned when bread was requested and delivered to a Post reporter last week -- and a waiter refused to give a refund.
"Bread and butter are not hidden charges," restaurant spokeswoman Danielle Pagano said. "They are both affordable menu items."
* A 10 percent charge for takeout food at the sushi hot spot Nobu Next Door in TriBeCa.
"It's for the packaging materials, the costs of handling the volume of calls," said managing partner Richie Notar.
* A 20 percent mandatory tip on all checks at the Little Italy tourist spot Grotta Azzurra.
Owner Frank Castellana said the addition was to ensure decent pay for his staff.
Last week, The Post reported that Fifth Avenue steak joint Morton's was charging $2.50 extra for a cocktail ordered with ice.
"There are some scandalous charges," said Josh Ozersky, restaurant editor of the Internet lifestyle guide Citysearch.
"When this happens, it builds up ill will and bitterness, which is counterproductive and stupid."
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